Let’s forget the past, Oshiomhole implores Obaseki

Adams Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended an olive branch to Governor Godwin Obaseki as he seeks to achieve rapprochement following the governor’s win at the supreme Court.

Recall that Obaseki and Oshiomhole, who used to be formidable allies, fell out and became vicious foes in the build up to the 2020 Edo State gubernatorial election. Both sought to gain economic and political control of the State.

The impasse led to social unrest and series of political shenanigans that forced Obaseki to quit All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the ruling party disqualified him from contesting, threatening his second term aspiration.

Obaseki subsequently contested the election on the platform of PDP and he defeated the APC candidate, Ize Iyamu.

However, his victory was contested by the APC who claimed his academic credentials were not authentic due to certain discrepancies in names — a situation that leads to acute legal tussle.
Meanwhile, Supreme Court last week in its ruling on the issue, dismissed the APC claim and threw out its suit.

Reacting to the development on Tuesday, Oshiomhole congratulated Obaseki on his victory at the Supreme Court, he implore the governor not to get carried away by the euphoria of victory.

In his letter to the Governor, which was made public by Oshiomhole’s Media Aide, Victor Oshioke, in Benin, on Monday, the ex-APC national chairman appealed to Obaseki to put the past behind and let bygone be bygone.

He averred that their relationship had morphed from friendship to something more intimate.

“Congratulations on your victory at the Supreme Court, which has effectively laid to rest all matters arising from the last election,” the letter read in part.
“As I had repeatedly reminded you during our several meetings, our relationship has through the years developed beyond being friends to being brothers of different parents”

Oshiomhole admitted that the events of the past were unfortunate, adding that he had moved on from everything.

He admonished Obaseki to be inclusive in his approach to governance and treat everyone, irrespective of political affiliation, equally as he’s Governor of Edo State.

“Whatever happened is unfortunate, and I believe God has a reason for everything. I’ve put all behind me and moved on.
“As I’ve consistently advised, please be magnanimous in victory. You’re the Governor of all Edo people, regardless of political leanings.
“Once again, congratulations Excellency!”